Recent Water Damage Posts

Flooded Home in Stanwood

Here at SERVPRO of Seattle Northwest - SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville we work closely with other SERVPRO franchise's when the need arises. We received a call from our close friends from SERVPRO of Skagit County to assist a family with a devastating loss they had to their home while they were away on vacation. A bathroom sink had sprung a leak on the top floor of their home, affecting almost every room in their house.

We worked tirelessly in conjunction with SERVPRO of Skagit County and the customers insurance to ensure that all their needs were met in a timely and professional matter. The project went smooth and the customer was completely satisfied with the results. One of the most satisfying parts of our job is bringing happiness back to a family that has lost so much.

Bothell Hotel Flood

We received a call in the afternoon by a hotel manager who had a bit of a problem in Bothell Wa. A fire suppression sprinkler line broke in the attic of the hotel and proved to be difficult to shut off. Unfortunately, by the time it was shut off the water damage had travelled quite far, affecting 12 units, 3 hallways, the kitchen, and dining area. Fortunately, they called the right people for the job.

Our team arrived and began to do what they do best, make it "Like it never even happened." There were many logistical hurtles that needed to be addressed, but our team of professionals handled it like they do every single job, understanding that every job is unique and handled it with care. The hotel is now up and running once again and our client is very happy.

Prepairing for the Rain

Your home's gutters help catch rainfall and ensure that it stays far away from the foundation of your home. However, they can't effectively perform their job if they're clogged with ice or debris that piled up over the course of the seasons. Clean gutters by spraying a hose through them from the bottom up. You can also use a trowel to scoop out anything that's clogging your gutters, or purchase a cleaning tool specifically designed for your gutters and attach it to your hose.

Before the rainy season begins, it's crucial that you check your home for signs of leakage. It's best to fix a leak early on, as leaving it to worsen could result in flooding, mold and mildew, and even collapsed ceilings. Scan your ceilings for water marks and look for peeling paint. You should also venture outside of your home and look at your roof for telltale signs. Check out the ridges and see if there are any cracks. Look for loose, curled or missing shingles, which can signal roof damage and allow water to enter the home.

3 Signs That You Need a Hot Water Heater Repair!

Water heaters are essential elements of our home. We use them in daily activities such as taking a bath, using the dishwasher and using the washing machine. But because we use them frequently, it’s sometimes easy to take them for granted and forget that they need to be maintained. Failing to do so will result in malfunctions and problems and eventually, replacing your water heater. Taking notice of the first signs of a problem can help you repair your water heater before it becomes worse.

You don’t have to be an expert to spot the first signs of trouble. All you need to have is a keen sense of observation so that your water heater can be repaired.

Hot water has off smell or off color. The first instance that you notice your hot water has an off smell or has a rusty color, that’s something that you need to check out. The smell could be the result of a rusty anode rod in the water heater. There is no need to worry since the anode rod can be replaced that will then eliminate the bad odor. Bacteria growth also causes bad smells. This happens when the hot water has not been used or has been turned off for quite some time or when the thermostat is set at a very low level.

Corroded pipes can also cause an off color in your water. This can be solved by installing a water softener or by replacing the plumbing. If you also see a lot of sediments in the water, it’s time to have the water heater repaired.

Water is not hot enough, too hot, not strong enough or there is none at all. When there is no water, check first that your water heater has power and is working fine. If it is, have it inspected by a plumber. If water is not enough, this could be due to an undersized water heater and is a common situation when a lot more people are using the water heater. This could also be caused by the presence of mineral deposits inside the water heater tank. When water is too hot or not hot enough, you may have to adjust the temperature dial of the water heater. If there is no change in temperature, have the water heater checked and repaired.

Strange noises and leaks. Leaks coming from your water heater could lead to flooding. In the same way, strange noises like pops, bangs, gurgles, and the like are clear indicators that something is wrong with your water heater. This is usually caused by a buildup of sediments inside the tank. A boiling sound, however, could mean the water heater is overheating or that pressure is building up inside the tank. All these have to be addressed immediately to prevent further problems.

It’s important to have your water heater repaired as soon as you see these signs. This will help you save on costs, prevent further damage, and avoid an untimely replacement of your unit. If you do have issues with your hot water heater leaking, call SERVPRO of Seattle Northwest! We are always here to help clean up the aftermath of a disaster!